Skip to main content

Pixland

The question

I'm 30 and have very dark pigmentation and a few fine lines under my eyes. I have tried every moisturizer, lotion, primer, foundation and concealer I can find, but I can't manage to cover up the dark red circles or stop the products from settling into the lines. Help!

The answer

Here are three rules to stick to when trying to conceal without caking. First, choose your weapons wisely: A medium-coverage cream concealer may sound too heavy, but if you apply it in two light layers you will be able to cover the area gradually instead of globbing it on and getting frustrated. Second, know your enemy: You need to understand what shade to use when you are battling dark circles. Those with a red-to-purple tinge should stick to yellow shades of concealer. (Colours in the peach-to-orange family are good for hiding a blue tinge.) Third, build a wall of defence: To set the concealer, grab a loose blender brush and apply a very light layer of highlighting powder over the concealed area, making sure to blend well. This helps stop the concealer from sliding off as it warms up against your skin.

Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty specialist who has appeared on The Marilyn Denis Show. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.

Interact with The Globe